On the piste...in Nendaz
Finding a resort that would suit two débutants and two intermediate skiers, wasn’t as hard as expected - we found a catered chalet in Switzerland, a mere 1 hour 10-minute direct flight from London meant we would be on the snow in no time at all. The convenience of a catered chalet means that you have more time to enjoy your ski holiday. Why worry about preparing dinner or cleaning the dishes. With catered ski accommodation you have more time to spend on the piste, chill and let yourself be pampered in the evening. It is a great experience and is extremely good value for money.
We headed straight to the ski school office once we arrived late afternoon on Saturday – here they informed us where to meet our ski instructor the following morning. We then had to collect our skis boots and helmet - the guys in the office were fantastic!
TOP TIP ** When pre booking ski school, check around but ensure you book in advance as in peak times they will get booked out. Some group lessons have maximum participants, so spaces can be limited even outside of peak times.
After storing everything in the chalet heated boot room (I later understood why skiers go crazy for this!), we headed out to the local village to taste some local food & beer! Then it was an early bedtime for the beginners as school started the next morning…
At first, it’s going to be challenging & (I knew this) for those that have been ice skating or have roller-bladed in the past may pick up the technique quicker, but fear not if you haven’t - once you get started, you’ll soon start to relax and enjoy yourself. The more you ski, the more your confidence will grow and the easier it will become. Remember, everyone feels the same when they ski for the first time, so you're not alone.
Finding a resort that is ski in and ski out is a huge benefit - equipment is heavy (well for a slight & unfit person like myself). The less distance to carry your skis to the lifts the better. The fact that you don’t have to wait for jammed busses either is a huge benefit. Our lessons ran for 5 days (Sunday to Thursday), but if like me you want to try it and then have some time for yourself, then 3 days is plenty & providing there is space you can always add more days on locally!
TOP TIP ** A lesson 9am to 12pm is the best. The slopes are fresh with snow and still colder in the mornings, meaning the sun will not have melted it, making it a completely different skiing experience.
There were a few bars high up in the mountains where you could stop and treat yourself to lunch and beer - our favourite was the Tipi located in Siviez – they had the best IPA selection or then wrap up with some Après Ski - our second favourite in Nendaz was Le BOB!
On our last full day, the boys went off skiing to Verbier, and I opted for a day pass to the local spa – I was in PURE HEAVEN! Hotel Nendaz 4 Vallées & Spa was incredible. In an Alpine decor designed in contemporary style, allow yourself to be carried away by the magic of the Spa and take the opportunity of recharging your batteries in complete serenity, while enjoying the spectacular panoramic views. Laid out on two levels, this space dedicated to water recalls the natural scenery of the region. A water channel runs through it, whose gentle murmur will follow you into your dreams. Comprising of a 15 metres outdoor swimming pool, with running water & spectacular views overlooking the Alps, a Finnish Sauna, vaporised steam bath, 3 grottoes (hammam, salt & ice), panoramic sauna, jacuzzi and much more, this hotel spa really does allow you to escape and relax.
Nendaz was a resort for all abilities. It was great for families with children and groups of friends looking for a small, peaceful alternative. As much as this hurts me to admit, Tom was better at skiing than me, this time around…next time he might not be so lucky!
Skiing is a completely different experience to anything you might have done before but will be an amazing experience! Don’t put it off – go on and give yourself a new challenge!